For years, gyms were judged by one thing: how to aid your training.
Now? They’re being judged by how well they help you recover.
A recent survey has suggested that 42% of UK gym-goers would pay extra specifically for access to recovery facilities such as saunas or ice baths
From elite athletes to everyday gym-goers, recovery has moved from “nice to have” to non-negotiable – and gyms across the UK are responding fast. Facilities like saunas, ice baths, red light therapy and compression recovery are no longer reserved for high-performance centres. They’re becoming part of the modern training experience. At least they are at Gymbox anyway.
At Gymbox, we’ve always believed training doesn’t stop when the workout ends – which is why we’ve doubled down on recovery spaces across our clubs. And with the recent installation of contrast therapy facilities at Gymbox Farringdon, we’re seeing first-hand why recovery is booming.
Search interest in terms like ice bath therapy, sauna recovery and contrast therapy has exploded in recent years; that’s not just us saying that – data shows that it has surged by 200%. Why? Because people are training harder, more frequently and smarter – they want results without burnout.
Modern members aren’t just chasing PBs. They’re chasing:
Contrast therapy involves alternating between cold exposure (like ice baths or cold showers) and heat (such as saunas). The practice has been used for decades in elite sport, but it’s now firmly in the mainstream.
At Gymbox Farringdon, members can now experience this first-hand with our new ice bucket and feature shower, designed specifically for post-workout recovery. Pair it with sauna use and you’ve got a full contrast cycle – no spa booking required.
A key addition to Gymbox Farringdon’s contrast therapy offering is our Ice Station — a modern take on ice-cold recovery. Dispensing fine-crushed ice flakes through an overhead chute into a chilled bowl, the ice station allows members to apply cooling ice directly to the body for an invigorating post-workout cool-down.
Another standout addition to Gymbox Farringdon’s recovery offering is the Snow Feature Shower, redefining what a post-workout rinse can be. Far removed from a standard shower, this immersive experience combines temperature contrast, sensory stimulation and cooling effects to support recovery and relaxation. Alternating warm and cold water helps stimulate circulation, flush out toxins and close skin pores, while the cooling snow effect provides an instant drop in skin temperature — ideal after intense training or sauna use.
Contrast therapy is just one part of the bigger recovery picture. Across Gymbox clubs, members have access to a range of recovery tools designed to support performance and wellbeing.
Sauna
A staple of recovery culture. Saunas help:
Red Light Therapy
One of the fastest-growing recovery technologies in fitness. Red light therapy is linked to:
Theraguns
Perfect for targeted muscle relief. Percussive therapy helps:
Leg Recovery Sleeves
Compression therapy isn’t just for pros anymore. Our Hyperice sleeves support:
Together, these facilities allow members to train hard – and recover smarter.
The fitness industry is evolving. Members want more than sweat – they want sustainability.
Recovery facilities help:
And crucially, they support mental recovery too. In a city like London, switching off after a tough day is just as important as smashing a workout.
